OUR young generation fervently struggles for academic excellence driven by the urge for lucrative careers, financial stability and worldly possessions. They do achieve their dreams, but often neglect the development of essential virtues, such as empathy, honesty and responsibility. Today, material success is prioritised over character-building and moral values.

While we see material progress and development, lack of moral character and upbringing is alarming. It indicates that the future leaders and people of our society may be successful in their careers, but are ill-prepared to make positive contribution to their communities and the world at large. I am a 30-year-old electrical engineer working for a well-established public-sector organisation.

I am what I am because of the sound upbringing by my mother. I and my siblings were told by our mother that regardless of anything, we should offer our prayers, not take money from anyone at school, and never backbite or make fun of anyone. We were made to do everything that was socially, culturally, ethically as well as religiously correct.

Today’s parents should also adopt such parenting so that we may have a future generation that is not only progressive, but has high moral standards and values.

Syed Talha Shahab
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2025